17th Annual Northwest Teaching for Social Justice Conference

How do we center our students’ identities, funds of knowledge, and their local communities in science curriculum designed for a national audience? Explore localizing approaches, resources and examples that are grounded in justice-focused research and built out by Washington State K–8 teachers and school district leaders. Participants will discuss ideas and identify specific localizing actions to implement within their own science curriculum and contexts.

In Los Angeles, the second largest U.S. school district, 98 percent of educators vote to authorize a strike. From strike vote to contract vote, When We Fight goes behind the picket lines, documenting how and why United Teachers Los Angeles teachers strike. The film shadows UTLA educators for five months as they organize and strike, providing a unique first-hand account of collective democracy and labor action, and shedding light on the nationwide teacher strike upswell. Watch as one of the largest educator strikes in U.S. history unfolds in real-time, highlighting the stories and leadership of some of the women who led it — from union leaders to classroom teachers.

Using the banjo as a historical guide, participants will learn the story of a multi-racial Black woman uncovering the truths of the banjo’s heritage, long after believing it to be a white instrument and a symbol of oppression. We’ll discuss the true history, unravel our learned perspective of Americana, and offer examples of counter-narrative. Educators will begin work on a framework to help develop learning opportunities for students inspired by their own lived experience.

If you share an affinity group identity and want to join, just show up at the location listed. You don't need to register for this session in advance. Affinity spaces are for individuals who identify with the group identity. Please only join if you share this identity. *Note: Facilitator needed.